It had been a long time since Apple had gazed upon walls so high. Great slaps of cut grey stone piled on top of one another, reaching a height greater thanfive menperchedon each other’s shoulders. The wallscurved in his peripherals, forming a seal that protected whatever dwelled insideofthem.


    In front of where Apple stood, on the sandy cobblestone path he had traversed for the past half moon, was the sight of a large rectangular hole in the wall,allowing a slight peak to what lurks behind.


    On each side of the hole stood two men, identically dressed ingambesons, tin caps,holdingshortspearsloosely between their hands.


    All of the scenery that bore into Apple’seyescould be summed up into one single word: city.


    He had arrived at one ofLoncia’sfew cities. He had avoided the giant hives of humanoids this past year due to the reasonable fear of what nestles withinthem. Every city has a little of everything. Supplies, weapons, good food and drink,bad food and drink,information, and most importantly companionship.However,that was only one side of the same coin;thieves, rapists, spies, soldiers, and worst of all, magicians, all also residedwithin these walls.


    Apple had avoided everywhere that he believed his magical brethren would be skulking;cities;archaeological sites;ruins;battlegrounds;anywhere he believed a creature bigger than a wolf would live, he hid from them all.


    Hecould nothide forever, unfortunately. Now was the time. His left hand once again felt the sweet embrace of a catalyst. At least if he if hewasever caught by a fellow magic user, he could at least distract them with a few spells,giving him enough time to run away.


    “’Morning. What business you be having in Pier?” Asked the gentleman to Apple’s right, as he approached the cities’ entrance.


    “Morning,” Apple replied “Just came to purchase some goods and be on my way again.”


    “What sort of goods?” The fellow to his left chimedin.


    “Oh, nothing fancy. Justsome fish and hopefully a new weapon of some kind. A sword perhaps, heard they’re cheaper these days.”


    “Whatyabe needing a sword for?”


    Apple gave the man a forced perplexedlook. “You sawnohorse beneath my thighsas I approached your walls now did you?Walking is a slow method of travel, it is.Lots of bandits and wolves waiting to pounce onlone travellers like myself. Got to have something to defend myself with, now don ‘t I?”


    The left man nodded. “Fair enough.” He remarked. It appeared that his interrogation was over.


    “What’swith that oversizedwalking stick, you got there?” The man of the rightasked as hepointed atApple’s staff.


    “What, this old thing?” Apple replied.“Wornmyself out on the trip here and needed something to support my aching feet and back. I’ll need its aid for a little longer, but I should be fine in the morning.”


    The man stared in silence at Apple for a few seconds. “Alright, come on in.” He finally declared. His curious mind now satiated.


    It was a good thing Apple had remembered to hide the protruding amber with wrapped twine a few days ago, you do notsee many walking sticks with gems glued to the top of them, at least not ones so shabby looking.


    “Much obliged” Apple gesturedwith a nod and began to proceed through theopen gate into the city of Pier.


    **********


    Apple was sofrustratinglytired of seeing markets. The first location from the entrance Apple had entered was the merchant plaza. It wasnotsurprising, every city flooded their doors with goods, waiting to prey upon the weary travellers that came throughthem. Apple was thankful for his currentattireandhis crudewooden staff; theymadehim reek with the stench of a lowly country bumpkin. Barely any of the merchants tried to grab his attention as he strode past.


    “Where to first?”He asked himself. He needed supplies butnot sopresentlyindesperateneed of them. News of current events was a must so an inn would be good idea.It could notbe too hard to find one,as within cities therewastypically one close by the entrance to attractand hosttourists.


    As Apple carried on his pace through the market place, hoping to eventually stumble upon an inn or at least awelcomingpub, he began to hear the faint sound of yelling from the distance. The yelling didnotsound angry nor frightened, the tone way more akin to theslimy voice a merchant used whentryingto get someone to buy their wares.


    Apple was intrigued slightly, whatever this voice was selling, it musthave beengood to be soboisterous about it. Since it seemed to be coming from the direction he was already heading,Apple decided that he might as well check it out.


    “Come one come all! Welcome toPief’squarterly slave auction!” Declared a short plump mandressed in finery, stood upon what appeared to bea long scaffold of timber.Behind himstood side by side wasline of about thirty people ranging from a boy,that looked as if had only just recently left his mother’s womb.In contrast to his youth wasa grisly senior thatstaredat the crowd with glazed pupils, almost hidden by large saggy eyelids. All were naked, showing their exotics skin colours and some of their less thanwhat was considered to behuman features. All were shackled together withwrought-irons.Faces of either unbridled fear orapatheticstares met the crowd.


    A slave auctions. This was the second time Apple had been to one these events, the first with his father when he was just a boy,there to purchase slaves to tend to his mother’s newly grown orchids.


    Curious, Apple merged with the large crowd of potential buyers. There were a lot of people at this auction. Most looked too poor to purchase a slave, most likely justthereforpurelyentertainment purposes. The ones that lookedtoable to lose some their coin were either at the very front, or sat stop elevated chairsat the back.


    “I see we have a lot of promising customers this time around, allow me to not disappoint.” The plump man continued, rubbing his hands softly and showing a well-rehearsed smile. “Our first item for today comes from the far away land ofTattapon.” Hemotionedhishandsto his left, a practised motion that told a slave behind him to step forward. Now besides the slave broker wasa large muscular man whosedarkskin was almost hidden beneath a chaotic mosaic of pink and red scars. “Once a proud solider for his pitiful king, thislionof a man will perform any physical task you give him effortlessly – and with a militarydisciplineandefficencyI might add.” He added. “Starting bid, two lead coins for this mighty warrior.”


    Two leads, that was more money than Apple had ever seen, although it sounded a fair price for the slave being bargained. Apple missed the days of gold and silvermoney, it was so much easier to tell if something was worth the price.


    “Two leads!” Cried a voicesomewhereto the left of Apple.


    “Two leads and five irons!” Yelled another.


    “Three leads!”


    “Four!”


    The price eventually stopped at five leads and eight irons to some fat man sat atop one of the elevated chairs. Apple thought it was a bit pricey for thedarkfellow, but looking at way fatty ever so slightly licked his lips and breathed even heavier than his girth would assume normal, itappearedthe slave meant a lot to the man.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    “Now, our next itemfor today is a fiery redhead all the way fromDoihamislands.


    **********


    After about forty minutes and thirteen slaves sold, Apple left the auction. He was quite indifferent to the concept of slavery, the strong ruled the weak and that was something Apple knew all too well. His family had owned several slaves,most likelystill do,althoughhe never saw much of them.They tended tomostly tend the fields with the surfs,or destroy themselves inhisfather’stin mines. His mother always said that a good slavewasan unseen slave. Servants inside;slavesoutside.Apple did notreally agree with thatmindsetbut still he had no qualms about owning anotherlivingbeing. However, something about the looks on the majority of the buyer’s facesat this auctionrubbed him the wrong way. He was shocked to realise that as the auction went on, his handshad slowly becomeclenched fists, beckoning thedwimmerin his stomach to come to them.


    The whole affair no longer existed as far as he wasconcered;back tothemission at handof finding an inn.“Wait!”His mind suddenly cried.“I’m right next to the sea. I’m in a city with a dock overflowing with boats. Why the hell am I wandering around with my thumbs up my arse when I can just leaveLoncia? By the gods! Why didn’t It occur to me sooner? I’ve been bloody hiding from the Circle in his own garden this whole time, when I can just leave...”Apple paused and gulped.“I mean, I’ll come back eventuallyof course, but it will be much easier to prepare myselfto stop himwithout the constant threat of everyone...That settles it, I’m going straight to the docks and hiring a ship!”With that decided, Apple headed off towards the docks with a slight skip in his step.


    **********


    In Apple’s new eyes, he did not they see thedull metallic-lookingocean. instead ofthe dullblueeveryone else saw; aboring blue.Ablue no flower nor peacock would ever dress their body’s with,Applesawa field of sapphires twirled by the gales. The dull grey that was so thickly mixed with the blue did not exist in Apple’s mind. It was a pure blue. A cool refreshing blue thatcradled alullabyto himof a bright future.


    Only agenerous five minutes awayfrom the blue, hehad to force himself from running the rest of the way. Best not draw any attention tohimself in his last moments of this accursed island.


    “Ahoy!” He yelled at what appeared to be a sailor, that stood upon the wooden planks of the dock.Themaybe-sailor hosteda thick scruffy beard and seemed to inspect the ship in front of him with an expert’s knowledge, for Apple those were enough qualifications for being a sailor.


    “Ahoy!” He yelled again, as it seemed the man did not hearhim.No response again. Apple waiteduntil he moved another one hundred stepscloser until hecalledagain.


    “Ahoy!”Again,he cried. This time however the man seemed to have heard him and turned his direction. “Ahoy!” He now added a wave to his cry.


    “Ahoy!” The most-likely sailor finally responded.


    Apple quickened his pace, deciding to not start the conversationuntil he was in front of the man.


    “Isthis your boat?” He asked the hairy chap now in front of him.


    “Aye, it be.” He replied with ahoarsevoice.


    “Wonderful!”Apple grinned uncontrollably. “Are you planning on any voyages in the coming days?”


    “Aye. Be actuallyheadin’ off on the morn’. Why lad,yabewantin’yarump on one of me woodenplants, ‘ey?”He asked as he began to rub his hands with a stained washcloth.


    It took Apple a second to decipher what the man had asked him. “Oh yes, absolutely. I wish to purchase a seat on yourvessel.”


    “You sure, lad? Youain’teven be told of whereI ‘n’ me crew beheadin’.”


    “I don’t care. As long as it’s not here.” Apple so honestly and earnestlydeclared.


    “On the run, ‘ey? Well Iain’tone to ask what chases a man’s tail, I’m not.All we seaman have had our nubs gummeda tad.ThoughI bewarnin’yalad, thisain’tno passenger ship, ‘tis for fish ‘n’salty folk. Your landwalkin’ arse might not be able to ‘andlethecold mistressthat tickles it.”


    Apple was so thoroughly enjoying this man’s accent, he almost forgot to reply to him. “I’ll be fine, I’m tougher than I look.”He eventually said.


    The sailor nodded. “Alright, be ‘ere at dusk ‘n’ we’lltalk coin.”


    “Shouldn’t I pay now?”Apple responded with a slight tilt of his head.


    “Nah. You’re not the first sod who’s asked to stow on me ship, youain’t. Most ofyaturn chicken ‘n’ don’t show up. Don’t sit right with me; takin’ a man’s coin withoutdoin’ anything’, it doesn’t”


    Apple was quite shocked, hedidn’t expect such just words from a sailor. “Alright, I’ll be here at dusk, I promiseyou.”


    The sailor grunted inresponse. “Sure. What beyaname ladanyway?” He asked.


    Apple thought about coming up with another fake name, but decided it wasn’t worth the effort. “The names Apple. Yours?”


    “Apple ‘ey, queer name, that is.Call me Phil.”


    “Nice to meet you Phil.” Apple said as he brought his hand up.


    “Likewise.” He remarked as he took hold of Apples hand and shook. “You’re a strange one, you are Apple.Yalook likeyabeenlivin’ in a treeya‘wholelife, butyasound like a right posh git,yado.”


    Apple laughed. “Like you saidearlier, we’ve all got something chasing us.”


    “I see.” He hummed. “Be off now lad, I got work to do.”


    “Very well, see tomorrow, Phil.” Apple replied, not taking offence at the brashness of the sailor’s words.


    Apple didn’t wait for nor expect a farewell, so he simply turned around and walked off the dock. He was disappointed he was notleaving immediately, but less than a day''s wait was still most certainly a blessing.


    He supposed the best thing to do now washis originalobjective: find an inn.


    **********


    The Bramble Bush.An Inn of standard sizemadealmost entirely of wood like the majority of buildings in the city of Pier.


    Apple appraised the establishment before entering. It looked decent enough in its normality. He was actually worried thatthe sheeraveragenessof it might still be too much for him, especially since he needed money for the voyage tomorrow. A sum he could not calculateright nowand it bothered him so. There was a good chance the lowly magician may have to finally resort to thievery to escape the land ofLoncia.


    Just as Apple was about to open the Bramble Bushes’ door, asudden powerful force struck him from behind;tumbling forward and causing him to bang his head onthestudydoor.


    “Ow!” Apple instinctivelyyelped, as most due when they feel pain.


    Whilein a slight daze, he turned towards the source of his discomfort, rubbing his forehead all the while.Satawkwardlyupon the rough groundin front of his feet was what appeared to be agirl, eyes closed from the sudden shock of impact.


    “Look where you’re bloody goingyou little miscreant!” Apple scolded.


    The girl looked up at him with a blank expression; unresponsive. She suddenly jumped onto theedge of her toesand darted past Apple, or at least triedto,“Oi. Where do you think you’re going young lady? Did your parents never teach you manners?” He asked as he grabbed her by the shoulder with his none staff-holding hand and held her in place.


    She opened her mouth but instead of speaking she clamped her unusually large canines around Apple’s burn scarred hand.


    Crunch.


    “Shit biscuits!”Apple cursed, as he felt her teeth piece thenewly formedskin on hispalms.


    “All right-all right, I’ll let go!” He screamed as he loosened his grip on her shoulder. Apple was thankful that shetoo released her gripas soon as he did.


    Applefell onto his knees and dropped his staffusing hisnowfree hand to cradle thefreshlybleeding one.Apple thought back tears as herememberedhe was in a public place and wished to notembarrasshimself any further.


    As he was absorbed in the task of trying not to cry, he felt a powerful gust of wind fly past his face, quickly followed by a yelp andthena thud. Apple turned his head towards the direction of the yelp and saw the extremely rude girl who had bitten him laid on the ground, her consciousness unknown.


    “Magnificent shot, my Lord! Butisshe still alive?” Asked awheezy voicedfrom somewherein the distance.


    “Oh, I believe so, I believe so. Merely a breeze I used on her, Master Henderson, merely a breeze. Although, should she have perished you shouldtrack down thegentlemanwho sold you your new you andask for a refund for such brittle merchandise.” A voice that sounded as if its pitchwasalmost entirelyproducedbynostrilsreplied.


    Applegazedat the two men conversingwhilstthey approach him and the girl. The first voice belonged to an overweightman of average height. Adorned in a silk shirt, silk breecheswitha silk jacket that wrapped around the two. A blatant receding hairline of brown, below an oily beard of black. However once Apple gazed upon the second man, all of the previous man’s characteristics were long forgotten.


    Longoilyblack hair. Slanted blue eyes. Beneaththema long-crooked nosewitha thin moustache so heavily waxed, Apple could see the sun reflect of it from a distance,beneaththat. An ever so smug expressionthe man’slips produced, an expression only a lifetime of being pampered and zerohardshipscould create.Although it was the clothes that truly caught Apples attention. A long robe of silks of various vibrant colours swam down his long thin body, almost completely hiding the man’s noblewine-gut. Blues, reds, yellows, greens, purples, and more. Their obvious beauty made the more monotonous white at the centre of the robe stand out. Not to Apple though. Carefully stitched fabric curled into the shape of a big thick Circlepresented itself at the centre of the man’s garb.